Hi all, I just found you guys and would like your help in making a decision about my first MB diesel. I have 4 that i am looking seriously at:
•'80 240D manual w/ 140K,
•'79 300SD w/261K (135K on new engn)
• '83 300SD w/189K which has been "sports up" with two tone body and additional chrome, new wheels
•'83 300DT w/97K
All appear to have been well cared for and owners state there is no rust or mechanical problems, ready to roll. My driving will be mostly around town, with limited hwy miles. Question: if all were about the same price and condition, which would be the better value for my needs? I love them all and don't know which one to hone in on. 3 of the 4 are Ebay cars. What do you think? Kat

For around town, I agree with the manual 240D. Just remember, these diesels like to be driven hard.

Drive them, look very hard at each, and choose whichever one fit's your needs. If you like them all, buy them all

Drive it like you stole it!

I agree as well that the 240 would be the most basic and perhaps reliable b/c of it's simpicity. But, I would look hard at the 300d with under 100k, or perhaps the most important to me would be the condition of the body, interior and paint. I have found as many others have that what people say on EBay to get a sale is often a far cry from the truth, so be careful. If at all possible, try to see the car in person and look for any hidden rust before you commit. Good luck, I'm jealous!
Adam B

I'd go for the '83 300SD, that sounds like the most gorgeous.

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

An 83 300TD with less than a 100K sounds almost too good to be true. That's the one I'd go for. After I checked it out.

I still don't understand how people can buy a used car without ever inspecting it in person.

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Toblin

'79 300D, "Liesel von Diesel", 235K

I kid proofed the house....but they still get in

If you are just going to drive around town, don't buy any diesel. Buy gas, because local driving kills diesels. If you just have to have a diesel, Ill go with the other posts and recommend the 240D. Leave the 79 alone, because of the expensive climate control, the leaky trunk, and the deteriorating rear seat. Let someone who will really use and enjoy the 83s buy them.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

local driving kills diesels!? huh? ive never heard of this.

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

Buy whichever one has the least rust... or wait for a rust-free one! If all things were equal, I'd give the 240D the nod, too. That manny tranny is nice!

Good luck, and let us know which you pick!

Chris

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Go for the 240D , I wouldn't mind finding a nice 240D myself

i've had my 240d manual for 11 years now. it has never let me down (knock on wood).

keep us posted with whatever you pick.

jts

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Jennifer
90 350sdl

Thanks for all your imput. I've narrowed my choice down to two and I hope to have reports from mechanics on each of them by tomorrow. I'll let you know which one I decided on. I look forward to learning more from this forum. Kat

I've narrowed it to either the 240D or the '83 300D-T. I've already talked with both mechanics and know these are both worthy contenders, but want them to take a better look at belts, brakes, and such. Thanks again for the input. Both vehicles are out of state and I look forward to driving my new MB home. They are both beauties. Kat

Just that they prefer relativly high RPM and steady state running, low rpm, loafing around town can tend to make them, er, unhappy. I wouldnt say it kills them, shortens there life, *maybe*, but half of "forever" is still a long time..

And as you've been told constantly, you have a beautiful ride. And if I ever see you around I WILL attempt to chase you down and say hi..

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One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

Ahh I see. Well thank you, I looove my wagon. If you do see me, flag me down, I'll stop! Some of us in the area may be having a little Get Together when it gets warm. 1960 something fintail, 300TD wagon of a friend of mine, my 300TD, JenTay and her 240D, and whoever else wants to go.

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

Well, depending on where you live - I’d hate to be stuck at a light on an incline with the 240, but the MT would make it my pick. Just plan to take a lot of weekend trips so you get to see what they’re all about.

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89 300E
79 240D
72 Westy
63 Bug sunroof
85 Jeep CJ7
86 Chevy 6.2l diesel PU

"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
Marcus Aurelius